Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum

Fishing in British Columbia => Fly Fishing Cafe => Topic started by: Lumps on March 28, 2007, 07:20:28 AM

Title: 2 pcs vs. 4 pcs
Post by: Lumps on March 28, 2007, 07:20:28 AM
I've always bought 2 pcs fly rods. I'm at my local fly fishing shop to purchase a #7 sage FLi 9' I wanted a 2 pcs but they only had 4 pcs rods. Whats the difference between the 2 ? The 4 pcs is also more expensive. ??? The dude at the shop said there is no difference between the 2 except it's easier to travel with the 4 pcs.
Title: Re: 2 pcs vs. 4 pcs
Post by: bbronswyk2000 on March 28, 2007, 07:23:52 AM
4 piece is a travel rod. Breaks down small so that you can carry it around much easier. Its also nice if you are going into small systems and can fit it into your backpack and not having your rod hitting every branch as you are going through the bush. I have a 4 piece St.Croix and love it.
Title: Re: 2 pcs vs. 4 pcs
Post by: Lumps on March 28, 2007, 07:29:01 AM
Cool! So there is no difference in the action of the rod, its just easier to travel with? Thanks BB2000.
Title: Re: 2 pcs vs. 4 pcs
Post by: bbronswyk2000 on March 28, 2007, 07:42:42 AM
I find no difference in the rods action at all. A four piece can be very handy.
Title: Re: 2 pcs vs. 4 pcs
Post by: Gooey on March 28, 2007, 09:42:53 AM
Every time you ad a ferrul, you ad labour...I would be surprised if 4 piece rods are the same price as 2 piece UNLESS they are mass manufactured.  I got a tour of the Lami factory and believe me when I say making a blank is labour intensive project!

Funtionally, I think a 4 piece would feel differeent than a 2.  Think of it, at the ferrul, there is 2 times the material in the blank and most ferruls are wrapped and epoxied to finish the rod.  This must ad weight and more material (I would guess) would also change the action slightly...enough to be noticable as you cast...can't comment on that for sure.
Title: Re: 2 pcs vs. 4 pcs
Post by: Sandhead on March 28, 2007, 10:33:57 AM
i have a Sage Fli 8 weight that's a four piece. It's a great rod and easy to travel with.  I'm not sure i would buy it again though. I'd probably spend the extra money and buy a VT2, i like the colour....
Title: Re: 2 pcs vs. 4 pcs
Post by: Fish Assassin on March 28, 2007, 10:52:14 AM
I was initially very skeptical of 4 piece rods. Having had the opportunity to use a 4 piece I'm now sold on it. Matter of fact I now own a Sage RPL
Title: Re: 2 pcs vs. 4 pcs
Post by: Lumps on March 28, 2007, 10:58:56 AM
I liked the blue ribbon color on the VT2 as well.
Title: Re: 2 pcs vs. 4 pcs
Post by: bbronswyk2000 on March 28, 2007, 11:40:37 AM
Every time you ad a ferrul, you ad labour...I would be surprised if 4 piece rods are the same price as 2 piece UNLESS they are mass manufactured.  I got a tour of the Lami factory and believe me when I say making a blank is labour intensive project!

Funtionally, I think a 4 piece would feel differeent than a 2.  Think of it, at the ferrul, there is 2 times the material in the blank and most ferruls are wrapped and epoxied to finish the rod.  This must ad weight and more material (I would guess) would also change the action slightly...enough to be noticable as you cast...can't comment on that for sure.

You have not mentioned if you own one or not. Have you used one long enough to draw these conclusions? I thought the same as you untill I got mine.
Title: Re: 2 pcs vs. 4 pcs
Post by: Xgolfman on March 28, 2007, 03:06:37 PM
I've owned both and I will not own a 2 piece again if I can help it at all....4 piece rods are so easy to travel with..(talking cars and trucks here just as much)...it's nice to be able to strap on to your backpack and walk into spots with it, it's also nice to hide one behind your seat...OR, let your friend with the car drive for a change... ;) At one time quite awhile ago I heard there was a difference in the two rods, I think it's pretty much nil now unless your going for the super cheap..in which case I doubt the action will really matter a whole helluva lot anyways....My 9.5 foot six weight rod weights 3 3/8's oz. and that's with a fighting butt...so weight is almost not comparable..
Title: Re: 2 pcs vs. 4 pcs
Post by: mastercaster on March 28, 2007, 07:25:11 PM
When four piece rods first hit the market years ago their action was a little different than their two piece cousins because I tested some (not that the 4 piece had a inferior feel or action, just different) but with today's technology more than likely they take the joints into consideration when they designed the rod.  I suspect they thin out the blank slightly at the joints to compensate for the possibility of a stiffer action.

 I've checked the weight charts of a couple of rods that I was interested in awhile back because I  was curious to see if the 2 piecers weighed the same as the 4 and they were exactly the same.  Usually a $50 or so difference in price, the 2 piece being the cheaper of the two.
Title: Re: 2 PCs vs. 4 PCs
Post by: Lumps on March 29, 2007, 02:56:29 AM
Your all professionals!
Title: Re: 2 pcs vs. 4 pcs
Post by: Gooey on March 29, 2007, 06:35:06 AM
I dont have a 4 piece but I do own a 3 piece st criox I built up into a CP.  I have never fished an identical blank which was made as a 2 and a 4 piece but I have built enough rods to tell you that a blanks action changes DRAMATICALLY once you put the eyes on it and wrap it...it really loosens up.  I would assume the more wraping and the more epoxy, the greater the effect.  And as master caster indicated, more piece generally mean more $$.